The New York Jets’ disappointing regular season continues to spark heated debate in the media, particularly following Garrett Wilson’s response to ESPN analysts’ comments about the franchise’s performance. At the time, the wide receiver was angered after Stephen A. Smith called the franchise a “football atrocity.”
Garrett Wilson’s Criticism Was Responded to Live by Stephen A. Smith
Smith’s criticism, discussed with other analysts on Wednesday’s ESPN’s First Take, provoked a heated reaction from the WR: “Damn, u gotta be a real sell out n above all a square to be on ESPN nowadays. Used to love that show.” Jets fans, who often complain about how the franchise is treated in the media, highly praised this comment.
Notably, Wilson, who ranks No. 63 in the PFSN’s NFL WR Impact Metric metric with a C- grade, was one of the few players who performed well during the Jets’ season, leading the franchise in receiving yards despite being sidelined since Week 10.
As a result, it was anticipated that the debate would escalate, and on Thursday, ESPN analysts offered a new response.
During ESPN’s First Take episode this Thursday, Smith responded directly to the criticism received by the Jets’ WR and reaffirmed that the Jets are “terrible.” While the analyst was speaking, the post in which Smith claimed that the popular analyst was a “sellout” and a “square” was displayed on the screen.
“Did I stutter? The Jets are horrible.” 😳@stephenasmith responds to Garrett Wilson’s comments 🍿 pic.twitter.com/h5AHo9FNOI
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 8, 2026
“Did I stutter? The Jets are horrible. Garrett Wilson, you’re a good brother, my man. And I don’t blame you for feeling salty about what I said. I wasn’t talking about you. I was pleading for you to get help, meaning the kind of help Sauce Gardner got when they sent him to Indy. Meaning the kind of help Quinnen Williams got when they sent him to Dallas,” said Smith.
“I think players should be trying to get the hell up out of MetLife Stadium… I was talking about the organization. The Jets are horrible. You haven’t been in the playoffs since 2010.”
Wilson’s Final Comments on Smith’s Response
Shortly after ESPN’s First Take ended on Thursday, Wilson returned to social media to post a final message about the ongoing debate. He made it clear that he still did not appreciate Smith’s comments and took some of the criticism personally. Nevertheless, Wilson stated that “everything is fine” and that he would not bring up the subject again.
Last thing imma say on it. I listened, and I ain’t like it, but that’s all okay. I just don’t want bad advice going out. That was bad career and financial advice that he himself wouldn’t even take. Not to mention yeah I take some of it personal. All good. Go Jets
— Garrett Wilson (@GarrettWilson_V) January 8, 2026
The Jets ended their season with a 35-8 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 18, finishing fourth in the AFC East with a 3-14 record.
